can be broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be broken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is capable of being damaged or fractured, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The rules of the game can be broken if all players agree to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pledges can be broken.

The New York Times - Sports

Because even that can be broken.

Independent

Old patterns can be broken.

Harvard Business Review

The piece of chalk can be broken.

Yale University

These can be broken down into subclasses and superclasses.

Data Architecture From Zen to Reality

The research can be broken down into the following stages.

Construction and Building Materials

A term can be broken only by a *.

Stanford University

The pattern of hatred and rageful discourse can be broken.

Cornell University

But promises made in good faith can be broken too.

The Economist

But contracts can be broken, wills challenged, legacies dismantled.

The New York Times

The Greek demands can be broken into three categories.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "can be broken" in your writing, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of vulnerability or susceptibility to damage, violation, or failure.

Common error

Avoid using "can be broken" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where a more precise verb might be more effective. Opt for stronger verbs that clearly articulate the specific type of failure or violation being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be broken" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the possibility or potential for something to be fractured, damaged, violated, or terminated. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be broken" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the possibility of something being damaged, violated, or terminated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media, academia, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, writers should consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning and avoid overuse in overly abstract situations. Alternative expressions, such as ""can be violated"" or ""can be breached"", can provide more precise nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be violated

Focuses on the act of transgressing a rule or agreement.

can be breached

Emphasizes a gap or violation of a security measure or agreement.

can be disrupted

Highlights the interruption or disturbance of a process or state.

can be compromised

Suggests a weakening or undermining of integrity or security.

can be invalidated

Focuses on rendering something void or without legal force.

can be dismantled

Emphasizes the act of taking something apart or destroying it.

can be defeated

Highlights overcoming or thwarting something, such as a plan or opponent.

can be overturned

Suggests reversing or nullifying a decision or system.

can be undermined

Focuses on gradually weakening or damaging something.

can be circumvented

Highlights finding a way around a rule or obstacle.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "can be broken"?

It means that something is susceptible to damage, violation, or failure. The specific meaning depends on the context.

Are there synonyms for "can be broken"?

Yes, alternatives include "can be violated", "can be breached", or "can be disrupted", depending on the intended nuance.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be broken"?

The phrase is appropriate in various contexts, such as discussing rules that "can be violated", objects that "can be dismantled", or agreements that "can be breached".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "can be broken"?

While grammatically correct, overuse in overly abstract contexts should be avoided. Opt for more precise verbs that better convey the specific type of failure or violation being discussed.